Flamengo can’t afford to meet Fulham’s asking price for Andreas Pereira, according to reports from Brazil.

The attacking midfielder, who was recalled to the Brazilian senior squad by new coach Carlo Ancelotti yesterday, is expected to leave Craven Cottage this summer having angered Marco Silva by publicly expressing his eagerness to play elsewhere before Christmas. Brazilian football commentator Jorge Nicola reveals in his latest update that Pereira is keen to return to his former club, where he was on loan before moving to Fulham from Manchester United, but the Whites’ £16m asking price has been deemed too steep by Flamengo’s director.

The 29 year-old has ‘made himself available’ to potential suitors, according to Nicola, as he seeks regular first-team football to remain in Ancelotti’s plans for next summer’s World Cup. Pereira scored just twice in 37 appearances for Fulham this term – adding six assists – and often operated in a deeper midfield role than the number ten position he had previously occupied, owing to the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe last summer.

Pereira does have other suitors – across Europe and in the MLS – but it remains to be seen whether Fulham will be flexible over their valuation to facilitate a sale this summer.